Wilkerson-Johnson, V.

Week 1: CEO/CDO Interviews/IDSL 860

Interview of Lansing Community College President Brent Knight/Chief Executive Officer
March 19, 2014
1.
What role does philanthropic fund raising play at our institution? Do you rely on donor investment
to help fund elements of the strategic plan for our college? Can
you share an example?
President Brent Knight presided over three other colleges before becoming President of the
Lansing Community College, and he has found that philanthropy is more difficult to administer in
Lansing due to the lack of great wealth in this area of the state. He mentioned Grand Rapids
Community College, for instance, which is a wealthy city, and recently launched a $10 million
capital campaign. He noted that small and rural community colleges also do well, areas where
farms are donated, for instance. Champaign-Urbana, IL and Decatur, IL are examples he gave.
These communities exemplify a local sense of pride and value in their educational institutions.
He also mentioned Harper College in IL that prospers from its reputation and the serious wealth
of local citizens. In Lansing philanthropy is important, but is not relied upon as much as at some
other institutions that bring in more funding. President Knight also shared that the mission of the
LCC Foundation Board is student financial aid development, not capital growth for instance, and
that student financial aid has been the commitment of the foundation board since its development
in the 1980's.
2.
Please describe your level of involvement with fund raising and the Foundation Board (looking
beyond your titled role with the Foundation, if any). Is fund raising among your annual
performance goals as measured by Trustees?
The LCC Foundation is designed for student financial aid. President Knight said that he is
unaware of any other community college foundation which has this specific focus. He believes
that it is difficult to steer donors to the cause of giving to LCC given this very specific fundraising
approach.
3.
Has your perspective on fund raising changed since you became president? If so, how?
Yes, he said, his perspective has changed since becoming the LCC President. He has noticed
that the Foundation Board members do not see themselves as donors, nor do they clearly see
their role as fundraisers. This stance provides less support for the CEO.
4.
Does the Board of Trustees and your leadership team have a consistent, clear vision for the
college, agree on top priorities and have a sense of urgency about securing funding for them?
Please explain.

President Knight believes that LCC does well in its mission. He wants to see the foundation
board and the administrators "out there more" advocating and communicating about the college,
rather than only doing so much administering on campus.

Wilkerson-Johnson, V. Week 1: CEO/CDO Interviews/IDSL 860

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5.
Would you say there is a culture of philanthropic giving on campus? Why or why not? Are you
asked to give to the college at least annually?
President Knight has a vision to upgrade the physical environment of the campus in ways that will
bespeak its beauty and brilliance, and he believes this will bolster the spirit of philanthropy. He
also personally gives to the college.
6.
Would you say that the case for philanthropic support for our college is clearly and
consistently articulated by the Board and senior leadership team so that donors understand why
the college is raising funds?
President Knight believes that our advocates should speak of access and opportunity for the
people in Mid-Michigan seeking educational attainment, and that this mission should be intoned
over the student financial aid mission that has currently been the focus.
7.
Anything else youd like to add?
President Knight mentioned a colleague formerly at LCC who went on to do exceptionally well in
inspiring philanthropic giving at Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, OH, They had
President Bill Clinton as a speaker, for instance, and this inspired great interest in the region and
donor enhancement as a result.
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Wilkerson-Johnson, V. Week 1: CEO/CDO Interviews/IDSL 860

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Interview of LCC Chief Development Officer, Dan McKean
March 17, 2014
1.
What role does philanthropic fund raising play at our institution? Does the college rely on donor
investment to help fund elements of the strategic plan?
CDO McKean indicated that he encourages philanthropic outreach at many LCC events and he
makes materials available. We make our case in all settings where events occur, for you never
know where potential donors exist.
2.
Does the college have a case for support for fund raising currently in play? May I have a copy?
McKean said that "we promote our materials at every opportunity".
3.
Please describe the presidents involvement in fund raising
and with the Foundation Board (looking beyond his titled role with the Foundation, if any). In
other words, what does the President do to support and engage in fund raising for the college?
Executive leadership is really the role of the President, says McKean, even though "I am the
CDO". Those who have the most direct relationships always have the lead person of the
organization carry the banner. The leaders are the right persons to begin the discussion. Then
McKean gave us one of his excellent quotes: "the right personnel, asking for the right reason, for
the right amount, at the right time."

4.
Is your job 100% fund raising? Are you a member of the senior
leadership team? Are there other fund raising staff members? How many and what are their
roles?
McKean noted that his number one job is and should be fundraising, but that often he is delayed
in this work by the many administrative tasks on campus that he must complete.
5.
Would you say there is a culture of philanthropic giving on campus? Why or why not? In the
community? Please explain.
McKean noted that when the institution is small and there is affinity and a sameness of culture it is
easier to encourage philanthropic endeavor, even when the community is poor. This coincides
with President Knight's discussion that Greater Lansing is not as wealthy an area as some are in
Michigan or the nation. On the flip side, he said, I do not ask people to donate to causes that the
community has not received well. Integrity is important. He added that alumni believe in LCC and
are generous, which we appreciate.

Wilkerson-Johnson, V. Week 1: CEO/CDO Interviews/IDSL 860

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6.
Would you say that the case for philanthropic support for our college is clearly and consistently
articulated by the Board and senior leadership team so that donors understand why the college is
raising funds?
"Stop telling people what you're doing and start telling them why. Often the why is left out of the
equation, to the detriment of the "ask", said McKean.
7.
Anything else youd like to add?
The best advertisement is free, so have talking points and promotional statements available for
personnel for when they are out and about and can share them with many potential donors,
McKean added.

I believe that the interviews of the Lansing Community College President, Dr. Brent Knight, and
CDO Dan McKean, were extremely enlightening and provided me a real world experience with the
types of challenges that college leaders face in guiding their institutions to make "the ask" and
then become successful at it. I look forward to continuing in my quest to learn what other
institutions do, and how these models can be melded into a well-run development campaign
strategy that works well and can be applied broadly.

----------------------------------Feedback3/31/144:34PM
ThanksforwritingupyourinterviewsVeronica.Ihopeitwasahelpfulexerciseforyouwithyourother
leaders.AsCFOyouareinagreatplacetoreallyinfluenceadvancementwork,helpingfundandholding
themaccountable!
Bill